Keasha Hubbert, Brianna Bowers, and Shyann Clifton recently performed a scene from the novel Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. The project was part of a unit class to show understanding of the events and characters in the novel by doing a variety of projects. The project selected by these three ladies was to perform a scene from the novel. The students are part of instructor John Stephens' class at Dexter's T.S. Hill Middle School.(Reader Submitted Photo from John Stephens)

Submitted by Ronnie Shipman,
FFA Advisor

Members of the Dexter FFA competed at Area 16 contests held at Twin Rivers on March 2. The DHS Chapter had several members competing in different events.

In Extemporaneous Speaking, Lauren Powers placed first. Extemporaneous Speaking is for any high school FFA member. They pick three topics out of a hat and then have 30 minutes to prepare a 4-6 minute speech.

In Division One Public Speaking, Chelsey Massey placed first. Division One public speaking is for 9th grade students and they must write and present a 3-4 minute speech.The FFA Knowledge team from Dexter placed 4th. The team members are Dustin Bates, Shelby Edwards, Brianna Madigan and Nick McCollough.

These students have all qualified to compete at district FFA contests held in Cape Girardeau on March 26.

Other competitors were, Shelby Edwards in Creed Speaking who placed seventh. Christin Sitzes and Chelsey Massey's record books who both placed second. Caleb Johns'completed record book that placed third and the Dexter FFA Chapter Scrapbook that placed second.

[i]Photos above: Top Photo:Lauren Powers, who placed first in Extemporaneous Speaking
Middle Photo: Chelsey Massy who placed first in Division One public Speaking.
Bottom Photo: The Dexter FFA Knowledge team that placed 4 at contest on Tuesday include (from right to left) Brianna Madigan, Nick McCollough, Dustin Bates and Shelby Edwards.

By Annabeth Miller, ShowMe Times Editor

On March, 1904, a baby named Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, Mass. But today, 107 years after he was born, he's better known around the world simply as "Dr. Seuss."

His father and grandfather were brewmasters, and his mother used to "chant" rhymes to her children at bedtimes. Geisel later is reported as crediting his mother with both his ability and desire to create rhymes that were the centerpiece of his stories.

Geisel combined his love of language with a talent as a cartoonist. Through the years he wrote more than 40 books - the most famous being The Cat in the Hat.

Other books include Green Eggs and Ham, Oh, The Places You'll Go, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

To celebrate Geisel's birthday, the youngsters at Southeast Elementary School in Dexter had a day full of Seussical fun - starting off with green eggs and ham served in the cafeteria for breakfast.

Shannon Putnum's first grade students had time for Horton (from Horton Hears a Who), and had special hats (just like the cat's) to wear during the afternoon, as well as read some favorites from Dr. Seuss.

So here's a tip of the red and white hat
To the fella who gave us that mischievious cat!

"Today is your day
You're off the Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

-from "Oh The Places You'll GO"

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Practice Makes Perfect Performance!

Members of the T.S. Hill Middle School Drama Club have been busy for several weeks preparing for its annual spring play. The production will be presented to the public at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 1 at the Dexter High School Auditorium. Drama Club members paused for a photo during a rehearsal this week. Members include (front row, from left) Delfina Flores, Haley Chapman, Andrew Morgan, Brooks Probst, Savannah Deal, Nicole Battles, Erika McCoy, Natalie Midgett; (middle row, from left) Jordan Dodson, Ryan Hulsof, Jackson Hubbard, Colton Averett, Zach Midkiff, Rebecca Singh, Oliver Warren, Dawson Reynolds, Keasha Hubbert, Shayna Bess; (back row, from left) Jessica Ladd, Jake Hundman, Katie Dewitt, Shelby Creado, Cheyenne Courter, Shelby Gathings, Michelle Hale, Austin Aldridge, Alexa Ash. Not present for the photo were Lacey Midgett, Jordan Rose, Rachel Putnam, Honey Patel and Jesse Eads. The production is directed by Melinda Sweeney and Tina Cox. (ShowMe Times photo by Annabeth Miller)

A ShowMe Times News report

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – Dexter’s Jazz ‘Cats dominated the stage Saturday evening as the Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band performed during the 20th annual Jazz Fest at Three Rivers College.

The All-District Jazz Band, an auditioned performance ensemble of students throughout the region, performed under the direction of guest clinician Dan Schunks. Out of 26 high school students selected for the All-District Jazz Band, 19 were members of the DHS jazz group.

DHS Students participating include:

Alto Sax: Brandon Moore, Shelby Lintz and Blake Kimbrough;
Tenor Sax: Brandon Moore, Steven Harrellson, Tyler Jones;
Baritone Sax: Lauren Dudlen;
Trumpet: Hannah Huls, Lnda Love, Alex Allstun, Chris Littleton;
Trombone: Alex Rybolt, Luke Dahs, Kendra Stevenson; Chuy Lara;
Piano: Joseph Greer;
Vibes: Samantha Long;
Drums: Brandon Propst;
Bass: Blake Kimbrough, Nathan Elliot .

At Saturday evening’s concert the All-District Jaz Band performed “Senator Sam,” by Ernie Wilkins; “Fly Me To The Moon” by Bart Howard and arranged by Sammy Nestico; “The Way I Feel About You’ by Carl Severinsen and Tommy Newsom; “Village Dance” by Tom Kubis; and “Hit the Ground Running” by Count Basie and arranged by Mark Taylor.

Dan Schunks was the guest clinician for the jazz ensemble. Schunks has garnered a reputation as one of Missouri's top band directors. He retired recently after over 30 years in public education in Missouri, having taught at North County (Bonne Terre) for 22 years; West County (Leadwood) for 10 and in the Bell City school district. He is an adjunct faculty member at Mineral Area College in Park Hills and conducts the Community Band, the Mineral Area Kicks Band and teaches private low brass and steel drum class.

Schunks’ bands through the years received consistently high ratings at state contests and in jazz and marching competitions throughout Missouri. He lives in Farminton with his wife Ellen, and sons Nathan and Philip.

The Three Rivers Jazz Fest was held the week of Feb. 16 – 19 and is supported by the Three Rivers Patrons of the Arts. Three Rivers College instrumental music instructor Buddy White is the director of the jazz festival.

Photo above:
A number of Dexter High School Jazz Band students participated in the Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band as a part of the 20th Annual Three Rivers College Jazz Fetival. The DHS Jazz 'Cats students who were members of the All-District band gathered for a photo in the lobby of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the campus of Three Rivers in Poplar Bluff. Reader-submitted photo by Kay Stevenson.